This thesis analyses the transnational relations between Italian contemporary art and the French cultural scene during the period 1959–1981. Adopting the perspective of exhibition studies, the research examines group exhibitions as political, social and cultural ‘devices’ used by Italy to redefine its international positioning and promote an updated image of modernity. The study is structured around an examination of Italian participation in the first six editions of the Biennale des jeunes artistes de Paris and an analysis of three key exhibition events in the capital: the exhibition of Italian sculpture at the Musée Rodin (1960), the exhibition of works by Ceroli, Kounellis, Pascali and Marotta, sponsored by Olivetti, at the MAD (1969), and *Identité italienne* at the Centre Pompidou (1981). Finally, the investigation extends to provincial museums (Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, Marseille), assessing the long-term impact of policies regarding the acquisition and historicisation of Italian art in France.
La tesi analizza le relazioni transnazionali tra Italia e Francia, attraverso i canali di affermazione dell’arte contemporanea italiana nell’ambiente culturale francese nel periodo 1959-1981. Adottando la prospettiva degli exhibition studies, la ricerca indaga le mostre collettive come "dispositivi" politici, sociali e culturali utilizzati dall'Italia per ridefinire il proprio posizionamento internazionale e promuovere un'immagine di modernità aggiornata . Lo studio si articola attraverso l'esame della partecipazione italiana alle prime sei edizioni della Biennale des jeunes artistes de Paris e l'analisi di tre snodi espositivi chiave nella capitale: la rassegna di scultura italiana al Musée Rodin (1960), la mostra di Ceroli Kounellis Pascali e Marotta sostenuta da Olivetti al MAD (1969) e Identité italienne al Centre Pompidou (1981). L'indagine si estende infine ai musei di provincia (Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, Marsiglia), misurando l'impatto a lungo termine delle politiche di acquisizione e storicizzazione dell'arte italiana in Francia.
L'ITALIE EN EXPOSITION. Canali di diffusione e affermazione dell'arte italiana contemporanea in Francia (1959-1981)
CATTANEO, STELLA
2026-07-21
Abstract
This thesis analyses the transnational relations between Italian contemporary art and the French cultural scene during the period 1959–1981. Adopting the perspective of exhibition studies, the research examines group exhibitions as political, social and cultural ‘devices’ used by Italy to redefine its international positioning and promote an updated image of modernity. The study is structured around an examination of Italian participation in the first six editions of the Biennale des jeunes artistes de Paris and an analysis of three key exhibition events in the capital: the exhibition of Italian sculpture at the Musée Rodin (1960), the exhibition of works by Ceroli, Kounellis, Pascali and Marotta, sponsored by Olivetti, at the MAD (1969), and *Identité italienne* at the Centre Pompidou (1981). Finally, the investigation extends to provincial museums (Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, Marseille), assessing the long-term impact of policies regarding the acquisition and historicisation of Italian art in France.
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